An easy way to turn those cheap aluminum hooks into useful tools
More pictures to come soon for this tutorial!
I just love my Clover Crochet Hooks! BUT, starting out on my crochet path, I ended up with a ton of cheap Aluminium Hooks. I prefer a handle that is slightly wider, than what, these provide. With Polymer Clay and a few minutes of your time you can make those cheap hooks useful again. AND IT'S FUN!!
I have and always will be, one to improvise. I don't have a heap of clay sculpting tools. I use what I have. This includes Darning Needles to scratch in the size and another hook to make the little groove in the clay (you don't have to have a groove but I like one).
Material:
Polymer clay in various colors. I used Fimo but there are many different brands available.
Straight blade or sharp knife
Heavy rolling pin (and quite a bit of muscle)
Non stick Baking Paper
Crochet hooks to cover
Extra 1.5 to 2mm hook for making groove
Solid surface or chopping board
Darning Needle
Sculpey Bake & Bond Glue
Baking Tray
Directions:
Choose the colours you wish to work with and break or cut off approx half a block of each. (if using Fimo).
On a solid surface, spread a layer of baking paper.
Roll your blocks out, so as to make them more workable. Mix several colours togeteher if you would like a combination of colours.
Roll the combined clay out flat to approximately 5mm thickness. With a knife cut a piece that will be wide enough to wrap around the hook and long enough to cover the hook, where you want the handle to be.
Add a small amount of Glue to the hook, where the clay will be.
Position the hook on the clay and gently wrap the clay around it.
With your fingers, work at the spot where the clay meets, till the join does not show any longer. Then gently roll the clay (with the hook inside) to make sure you have a smooth, uniform handle.
If necessary, trim the top edge and also cut the edge where the hook protrudes so it is even and at the right position for you.
Using your 1.5/2mm hook, gently press the side or handle of this into the spot you want a groove (I put two grooves in mine, see the picture in the heading). While holding your 1.5/2mm in position, roll your clay covered hook back and forth to get the groove around the hook.
At the top of the hook handle, use your darning needle to scratch the size into the hook (this is very necessary to know what size your hook is later).
Place the clay covered crochet hook onto a baking paper, covered oven tray. Cook in the handles in a slow oven for 15 minutes. Add extra time if your clay is thicker. NOTE: avoid the temptation of making your oven hotter than suggested. Poly clay is safe unless you overheat it. It can give off a chemical smell which while not extremely harmful, can leave you with the feeling of burning in your throat!
Take out of oven, and allow to cool.
Once you have the hang of making your own, you can get adventurous. Make shaped handles and add moulded little characters to the top! The sky's the limit!